WAEC Receives Additional GH¢35 Million to Facilitate 2024 WASSCE Marking
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has received a significant boost to its operations with an additional GH¢35 million funding from the Ministry of Education. Apexnewsgh reports This injection of funds is expected to facilitate the continuation of the 2024 WASSCE marking and expedite the release of results by the end of December. The Ministry of Education had earlier released GH¢25 million to settle part of the GH¢118 million debt owed to WAEC. With this additional funding, WAEC can now complete the scanning of objective answer cards and conclude the processing of results for the 2024 WASSCE school candidates. In a statement, WAEC expressed its gratitude for the funding and assured stakeholders that it is working diligently to ensure the timely release of results. However, the Council also appealed to the Ministry of Education to release the remaining balance of its outstanding debt to enable it to pay supervisors, invigilators, script checkers, and suppliers of examination materials. The release of WASSCE results has been eagerly anticipated by students, parents, and educational institutions. The additional funding is a welcome development, and WAEC’s commitment to releasing the results by the end of December will come as a relief to many. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Speaker of Parliament Declares Annulled Parliamentary Candidates Ineligible for Swearing-In
Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has stated that parliamentary candidates whose results were annulled by the Supreme Court on Friday, December 27, 2024, cannot be sworn in as Members of Parliament on January 6, 2025. Apexnewsgh reports This decision comes after the Supreme Court nullified the re-collated results for four constituencies – Okaikwei Central, Ablekuma North, Tema Central, and Techiman South – citing irregularities in the process. The controversy began when the National Democratic Congress (NDC) challenged a High Court decision directing the Electoral Commission (EC) to re-collate parliamentary election results in nine disputed constituencies. The NDC argued that the re-collation process was unlawful and lacked merit, contending that the court had exceeded its jurisdiction and undermined the transparency and credibility of the electoral process. Speaker Bagbin emphasized that the Supreme Court’s ruling supports his position, as the declaration of the affected MPs-elect was unlawful. He explained that to become a member of parliament, one must be elected by voters, declared by the Electoral Commission, and sworn in by the Speaker. Until that happens, they remain MP-elect. Bagbin’s stance has significant implications for the affected candidates and the balance of power in Parliament. The Speaker’s decision is a testament to his commitment to upholding the law and ensuring the integrity of Ghana’s electoral process. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
EC’s Handling of Election Results Threatens Ghana’s Stability, Says Inusah Fuseini
Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC) is facing intense criticism for its handling of the disputed parliamentary election results. Apexnewsgh reports Inusah Fuseini, a former Member of Parliament for Tamale Central, has accused the EC of leading the country into a constitutional crisis. Speaking on Joy News, Fuseini expressed concerns over the EC’s repeated changes to the election outcomes, calling it a “highly incompetent action” that threatens the nation’s stability. He emphasized that the court never pronounced on whether the EC can declare and change results multiple times, highlighting the gravity of the situation. The controversy surrounds the re-collation of parliamentary results for nine constituencies, where seven were declared in favor of the New Patriotic Party. The Supreme Court quashed results from some constituencies, citing violations of the right to a hearing for NDC Parliamentary candidates. Fuseini warned that the EC’s conduct could incite widespread public outrage, potentially plunging the country into chaos. He also criticized the EC’s rush to re-collate disputed results and alleged a conflict of interest, stating that the EC appears to be an “interested party” in the case. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Electoral Commission Orders Rerun in Dome Kwabenya Constituency Amidst Disputed Election Results
The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has announced a rerun of the parliamentary election at the Abokobi Women’s Development Centre 2 polling station in the Dome Kwabenya constituency. Apexnewsgh reports This decision comes after discrepancies were discovered in the results from three polling stations, delaying the collation process. According to Dr. Serebour Quaicoe, the EC’s Director of Training, the commission had completed the collation of results from 367 polling stations. However, three stations were left, and one of them was rejected due to incorrect documentation. The rejected result involved 669 voters, which could potentially change the outcome of the election if all votes went to the trailing candidate. The Dome Kwabenya parliamentary seat has been a subject of contention, with Elikplim Akurugu of the NDC initially declared the winner, flipping the seat from the NPP. However, her victory has been challenged due to allegations of irregularities and tampered results. The rerun, scheduled to take place before the new MPs are inaugurated, will determine the final winner of the Dome Kwabenya parliamentary seat. The EC’s decision aims to ensure fairness and transparency in the electoral process. Meanwhile, Nii Kpakpo Samoa Addo, a prominent NDC member, has called for a review of the EC’s collation process for parliamentary election results. Addo highlighted the chaos that often erupts at collation centers, undermining the democratic process. He emphasized the need for the EC to address these challenges to ensure the integrity of Ghana’s elections. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana’s Transition Team Gears Up for Seamless Handover
In a crucial step towards ensuring a smooth transfer of power, Ghana’s Transition Team held its third meeting on December 27, 2024, in Accra. Apexnewsgh reports The meeting, chaired by the team’s leadership, brought together representatives from various Sub-Committees, Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). While most Sub-Committees presented satisfactory progress reports, the Social Sector Sub-Committee failed to submit its report, and several others were asked to provide more details to address specific gaps. The Co-Chairs directed all Sub-Committees to provide the requested details during the next meeting, emphasizing the need to resolve all critical issues before the handover process concludes. The Transition Team’s spokespersons, Fatimatu Abubakar and Felix Kwakye Ofosu, reiterated the team’s commitment to ensuring a smooth, transparent, and inclusive transition process. They expressed gratitude to the Sub-Committees and the MDAs for their dedication and emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving a successful handover. As part of its roadmap, the Transition Team plans to intensify its engagements in subsequent meetings to finalize reports and ensure all critical concerns are addressed. The team reaffirmed its dedication to a seamless transfer of power, which it views as a cornerstone of national development and stability. The Transition Team’s efforts are crucial in ensuring a smooth handover, as Ghana prepares for a new administration. With the team’s commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and collaboration, stakeholders are optimistic about the country’s future. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
President Akufo-Addo Under Pressure to Sign Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill
Private legal practitioner Nana Yaw Osei has thrown down the gauntlet, challenging President Akufo-Addo to sign the highly contentious anti-LGBTQ+ bill into law. With the Supreme Court’s recent ruling clearing the way, Osei’s critique is direct and scathing: “MR. ‘LGBTQ+++ PRESIDENT’: Can you sign the Bill into law now?” Osei accuses the President of deliberately stalling, warning that Ghanaians who value their cultural heritage are watching his every move. “Some Ghanaians, who value our rich cultural heritage and traditions, saw through your tactics, Mr. President,” Osei declared. The bill, which has sparked intense debate, aims to prohibit and punish LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana. Proponents hail it as a victory for traditional values and cultural identity, while opponents condemn it as a draconian measure that violates human rights. With the Supreme Court’s ruling removing the last obstacle, the President is now under intense pressure to sign the bill into law. Ningo-Prampram MP Samuel Nartey George has also urged the President to act swiftly, warning that further delays could undermine the democratic process. As the nation waits with bated breath for the President’s next move, the fate of Ghana’s cultural identity hangs precariously in the balance. Will President Akufo-Addo sign the bill into law, or will he succumb to international pressure and abandon the legislation? Only time will tell.
Supreme Court Overturns Re-Collation of Votes in Four Parliamentary Constituencies
In a significant development, the Supreme Court of Ghana has nullified the re-collation of votes in four parliamentary constituencies, namely Tema Central, Ablekuma North, Techiman South, and Okaikwei Central. Apexnewsgh reports This decision comes after the court ruled that the High Court judge’s order for re-collation violated the right to a fair hearing of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidates. The Supreme Court clarified that its ruling does not affect the election results for Ahafo Ano North and Nsawam Adoagyiri. However, the decision challenges the Electoral Commission’s (EC) re-collation exercise and subsequent declarations in the affected constituencies. The controversy began when the High Court issued an order for re-collation in nine constituencies, citing alleged irregularities. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidates had filed a mandamus application, arguing that discrepancies in the results required verification to ensure transparency and accuracy. While the EC complied with the order in seven constituencies, re-collation for Dome-Kwabenya and Ablekuma North remains incomplete. The NDC had accused the High Court judge of bias and procedural errors, leading to the Supreme Court’s intervention. In its ruling, the Supreme Court directed that the mandamus application must continue at the High Court on Tuesday, December 31, but be heard by a different judge. This development sets the stage for further litigation and potential challenges to the election results.